StockOpter University

Equity Compensation Content

IMAGE: Ariel Besagar / Unsplash Inspired by the Academy Awards, I couldn't resist incorporating the phrase preceding all awards presented at that event in my title. This phrase isn't unique to the Academy Awards, it is uttered when giving out almost any award, anywhere. What? You're still waiting for the answer? Oh, okay. The award for the most significant growth driver in business goes to..Client Service! You weren't expecting me to say something about sales or business development were you?...

IMAGE: Peshkov / 123RF.com Financial advisors that work with corporate executives and help them to diversify their company stock and options can do the following things to drive additional business. One: Keep track of how much revenue you generate from executives. StockOpter.com users report they gather on average over $500,000 in assets under management per client and can charge between $500 and $2,500 annually for equity compensation risk management and tax planning. Knowing how much business you are deriving from...

IMAGE: Hiva Sharifi/Unsplash While the majority of workers view their equity compensation as a critical tool for building long-term wealth, a recent survey from Schwab Stock Plan Services found that, out of the one-thousand equity compensation recipients surveyed, a mere twenty-four percent had exercised options or sold shares. With over a third of the participants claiming that equity compensation was the main factor in accepting their position, it begs the question, why are the number of employees exercising their options...

By Michael Ruzhansky Corporate executives are subject to unique issues related to their compensation with company stock. Advisors can’t treat executives like other high-net-worth clients and expect to be successful. Dealing with equity compensation issues requires specialized knowledge and tools, and a very individualized approach to the client. Senior management often has 80% to 90% of their net-worth tied up in company stock and options. In spite of such concentrated and risky positions, executives often resist guidance on diversification. This...

IMAGE: Rawpixel / Unsplash In an article from Financial Advisor Magazine, financial services marketing strategist Gail Graham points out that Gen X and Y are very different consumers than Baby Boomers. She says they are more inclined to comparison shop for value propositions, prices, products and the types of client experience they want. Consequently, these potential clients will be highly influenced by the massive advertising campaigns from the large "direct-to-consumer" financial services companies. Independent advisors will have a hard time competing with large "robo"...

IMAGE: Nonwarit / 123RF Stock Photo If you have recently started receiving stock compensation from your employer or are considering going to work for a new firm that offers equity as part of their compensation package, here are eight terms that you may need to understand. 1) Stock Options: If you receive employee stock options, your employer is offering you the right to purchase shares of the company stock at a predetermined price and for a specified period of time. ...

Over the years of working with financial advisors who attempt to market their client services to companies, we have seen four common mistakes that are costing them business and referrals. If you want to get your foot in the door at companies to secure business with their employees, avoid the following mistakes when you meet with the HR department. Mistake # 1: Trying to sell yourself and your unique expertise Most financial advisors feel compelled to tell a prospect company a great deal about themselves and their...

By David C. Gratke, Principal at Gratke Wealth, LLC It’s another work anniversary and a good time to reflect on where you are in your career both professionally and financially. It couldn’t be a better time to also take stock of where your overall financial plan is currently, and whether or not you are on track to make work optional. Here are four smart financial ideas to consider on this work anniversary. 1) Rule of 1/3rds- Your work anniversary often...

From the Ayco Compensation & Benefits Digest, July 2017 While performance‐based awards have become the most common long‐term incentives granted to executives at most companies today, so‐called “full value” awards, including restricted stock or restricted stock units (“RSUs”), remain a common equity award. (See our March 2017 Digest for data on the current mix of long‐term incentive (LTI) awards). We have noted not only a marked shift away from restricted stock to the use of RSUs and more recently, based...